FLAGSHIP events such as First World War commemorations could be at risk unless Penistone parish church gets help with roof repairs.
Plans are already shaping up to mark 100 years since the Armistice with a special service in St John’s.
But Rector David Hopkin says the success of a £50,000 roof appeal is crucial if plans involving the church are to go ahead.
And he warns that people might have to pay more for hiring the church in a bid to generate enough funds for a new stainless steel roof.
“People tend to think there is a money tree in the graveyard,” said Mr Hopkin. “There isn’t. And we are not sustainable for the future unless people help.”
For several years from 2005, the church was targeted by thefts of lead from its roof. Insurance paid for stainless steel repairs to the transept, but the chancel and nave also need repairing and a funding appeal is under way.
“People think the Church of England has lots of money, but every church operates independently and does its own fund-raising,” he said. “This sort of sum is a lot for us to find alongside what we need for day-to-day running costs of around £800 a week.”
At present, the roof is felted but this only has a lifespan of about 10 years and the work was done in 2006. “We are seeing patches now,” said Mr Hopkin, “and rain coming in at the edges.
“It’s OK in good weather, but we are coming on to winter and it needs doing.
“People are wanting to use the building and we often let it for peanuts. They think we have the money to keep going but it is a strain and I must get that message out.”
He said hire charges could rise. “We must be realistic,” he said. “It’s not a free gift anymore. It can’t be.
“We are being asked to stage various events, notably around the First World War remembrance.
“But if the roof doesn’t get fixed, an event like this won’t happen. It’s in November and if rain seeps in the service can’t take place.”
Support group Friends of Penistone Church are working on a series of fund-raisers, some already planned into next year.
“This will bring some of the money in and the rest will have to come from donations and hire charges,” said Mr Hopkin.
“We need to look at this realistically. I want the building to be used, but without money we can’t provide the facility. We don’t have the money to keep the church going in the way the community would wish it to continue.”
